Context: Recently, old drug formulation i.e. Aviptadil (RLF-100), is being probed to treat Covid-19 patients after initial studies have shown that the drug is able to halt SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in lungs.
About Aviptadil (RLF-100)

• It is a formulation of synthetic human Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP).
• The Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) is produced by immune cells and nerve endings and acts as a neurotransmitter.
• VIP is released throughout the body, but remains mostly concentrated in lungs and it helps improve muscle activity and blood flow in gastrointestinal tract.
• VIP has anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine activity properties.
• It has been granted “Orphan Drug Designation” by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and chronic lung diseases.